Can The College World Series Bring The Drama?

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Omaha, NE - JUNE 28: Oregon State Beavers players leap into a dog pile celebrating after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks for the National Championship during the College World Series Championship Series on June 28, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

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After last night miracle at MSG, can anything get more dramatic? Well, in years past, the College World Series has had a few moments.

Its been lost in a shuffle of the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals, but another championship will be handed out next week. The College World Series begins Friday. Eight teams battled through the NCAA Tournament in the form of regionals and super regionals to get to Omaha. If you’re familiar, you know the history. If not, give it look.

Until recently (say 25-30 years), college baseball was under the radar. Little to no television coverage until cable television and ESPN in particular came along. The sport at the college level is still steeped in history. From USC dominating in the 60’s and 70’s (12 championships all told) to LSU owning the 90’s (five titles in that decade alone), college baseball has a growing niche.

The CWS takes place every year in Omaha, Nebraska. For years it was at Rosenblatt Stadium, a rather unremarkable structure. The games there however made the place come alive.

The event is an underrated spectacle…it gave us the phrase “two and 'cue” and do yourself a favor and just google “Jello Shots Challenge.”

Two games kick things off Friday, two more on Sunday.

Betting odds courtesy of Brendan Sor…sorry, couldn’t resist. Caesar’s Sportsbook has us covered.

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CLEMSON, SC - JUNE 01: West Virginia Mountaineers outfielder Ben Lumsden (37) during a NCAA Division 1 college regional baseball playoff game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the West Virginia Mountaineers on June 1, 2025 at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Game one Friday Troy (+1.5) vs West Virginia​

This year’s Cinderella starts the proceedings. Anchored by Sun Belt player of the year catcher Jimmy Janicki and pitcher Tommy Egen, then Trojans blew through the super regional and punched its ticket. Good offense and good enough pitching carried Troy to Omaha. Competition ramps up from here on out.

West Virginia hits the ball as well as anyone. Cruising through the super regional over Cal Poly, the Mountaineers scored 29 runs in two games. They can pitch a little bit also. Maxx Yehl may be named pitcher of the year. Offensively Ben Lumsden and Armani Guzman will be two to keep an eye on. I like Troy to keep this close and possibly steal this one. Take the +1.5 runs and also take the over 10.5 at -115.

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HOOVER, AL - MAY 19le Miss infielder Dom Decker (12) celebrates a home-run during the SEC Baseball Tournament game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Missouri Tigers on May 19, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by Jason Homan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Game two Friday Mississippi vs North Carolina (-1.5)​

The Tar Heels are my favorites to win it all. Freshman pitcher Caden Glauber is a bonafide stud. Jason DeCaro is major league ready now. Good hitters up and down the lineup. Owen Hull is as good as it gets in centerfield.

Ole Miss came out of the rugged SEC and played like they belonged all year. Their roster is almost as deep as North Carolina’s group. Austin Fawley is the best catcher in America. Tristan Bissetta provides additional power. The pitching staff features Hunter Elliott, a strikeout machine. This pitching matchup will have the purists drooling. Give the edge to North Carolina. They’ll scratch out enough runs to take this home. Take under 8.5 runs also.

Once I recover from the Knicks comeback, I’ll preview Saturday’s games. It’s an SEC fest so be prepared.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

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